name names
Specify persons by name, especially those who are accused of something. For example, More than one person was involved in the robbery, and his lawyer said he would get a shorter sentence if he named names. It is also put negatively, name no names, as in Some of our neighbors disobey the town's leash law, but I'm naming no names. The negative form was first recorded in 1792.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
How to use name names in a sentence
He would go on to name names before the House Un-American Activities Committee as a friendly witness.
The Real Walt Disney, Not the ‘Saving Mr. Banks’ Version | Andrew Romano | December 14, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTAfter a month of refusing to name names, Nugent was released.
AP, Valerie Plame, and the Long History of Government Press Interference | Caitlin Dickson | May 16, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTFrum refused to name names, saying he does so in his book, but do we doubt whom he was targeting?
Look for a director, Charles Eitel, a man of principle who will name names to keep working.
Book Bag: David Thomson’s ‘The Big Screen’ and His Five Favorite Books on Film | David Thomson | October 16, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTPellicano refused to name names at his trial and was sentenced by Fischer to 15 years in prison.
Judge Denies Bail Request by Anthony Pellicano, Former Sleuth to the Stars | Christine Pelisek | August 14, 2012 | THE DAILY BEAST
I don't like to name names, but as we're all friends here, I don't mind saying he were a downright blackguard.
Yorkshire Oddities, Incidents and Strange Events | S. Baring-GouldWere it not that I have no desire to be personal I could name names and make it clear to the public those who don't know how.
Nat Goodwin's Book | Nat C. GoodwinAmong us it is unnecessary to name names or publish identities.
Miss Hildreth, Volume 2 of 3 | Augusta de Grasse StevensIt wasn't for her to name names, but a certain young man had gone far, very far.
The Honorable Miss | L. T. MeadeThey are not Old Chester people—so you won't mind if I don't name names?
An Old Chester Secret | Margaret Deland
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